Peru Classic Program 19 Days

US$ 2960* per person domestic flights included

Peru is a land of contrasting landscapes and cultures, a land with fascinating history and a nation bursting
with spectacular wildlife, proud traditions and colourful, welcoming people. Our most extensive Peru
Classic tour takes you on a 19 day odyssey across landscapes as unique, strange and wonderful as any
on earth, from the cool wildlife rich waters of the Pacific Ocean, across the barren and seemingly lifeless
plains of the driest desert on Earth, into the great ice clad heights of the Andes Mountains and finally into
the lush green wildlife wonderland of Amazon Rainforest - the planets greatest and most biodiverse expanse
of Tropical Wilderness.

On Peru Classic tour route we discover the little known marine hotspot of the Ballestas Islands, a fantastic
area to spot Sea Lions (which occur here in their thousands), flying over the enormous mysterious Nazca
Lines – geometric figures and images of animals echoed into the landscape more than 2000 years ago
– an awesome site

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lima.

Arrive at Lima’s International Airport and transfer to your comfortable hotel in the capital’s pleasant Miraflores district. Afternoon and evening are left free to relax from your flight and explore Lima in your own time.

Day 2: Lima.

At 9am we begin a guided trip of Lima’s old colonial centre, taking in the main square, the impressive Cathedral, rebuilt after a huge earthquake in 1746 and the Plaza San Martin amongst other highlights. We also visit the Church of San Francisco which is probably one of the most significant religious complex in Lima and monument of colonial architecture in whole latin America.The late afternoon and evening are left free for private exploration. (B.L.)

Day 3: Lima to Arequipa.

This morning we take a short internal flight to the elegant colonial city of Arequipa. After settling in at our hotel we begin a guided tour of the city’s historic highlights, including the vast and fascinating Santa Catalina Convent. Arequipa is overlooked by three towering volcanoes and we visit the Yanahuara Square for a good view of the cities surrounds before returning to our hotel. The rest of the day is free time. (B.)

Day 4: Arequipa to Colca Canyon.

Starting early we are picked up by our bus for our Peru Classic Tour journey to the Colca Canyon. Travel across the vast and scenic altiplano (high plain). In the afternoon arrive at Chivay (3633m), the entrance point to the Canyon. Two spectacular volcanos, the highly active Sabancaya and the huge Ampato (6,288) dominate the skyline around town. After a long day on the road we travel to the Chivay thermal baths to sooth away any travel aches and pains. (B)

Day 5: Colca Canyon to Puno.

After an early start we head for the Cruz del Condor, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking one of the deepest sections of the Colca Canyon. True to the description this is an excellent place to see Andean Condors, the world’s largest flying bird with wingspans of up to 3 meters. We take a short walk before lunch, then continue to Puno and the outstanding high altitude lake of Titicaca. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel on the shore of the lake. (B.L)

Day 6: Puno to Amantani Island (Lake Titicaca).

Today we begin our boat tour of Lake Titicaca. We visit the famous ‘floating islands’ of the Uros tribe before continuing to the tranquil and scenic island of Amantani. We take a guided walk of the island with our Peru Classic Tour local guide who explains the islands pre-Colombian history before watching the sunset over Lake Titicaca. Tonight we stay with local families who give us an insight into their living culture and lifestyle on this traditional island. (B.L.D.)

Day 7: Amantani to Puno.

Leaving Amantani we visit Taquile Island, an island dominated by ancient Inca terraces were we will see a demonstration of traditional weaving techniques. While on the island we will have a lunch (not included) consisting of freshly caught trout from the lake and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Later we re-board our boat and head for Puno, returning to our lakeside hotel for a final tranquil night on Lake Titicaca shores. (B)

Day 8: Puno to Cusco.

Today we make the journey across the altiplano from Puno to Cusco, the former Capital of the Inca Empire and today a beautiful, thriving city. The journey takes roughly 9 hours but passes through spectacular scenery. We break our journey at numerous scenic and historic points of interest – the unique burial towers of Sullustani, the high altitude pass of La Raya and the Temple of Viracocha, the Inca Creator God and one of their most sacred sites. On arrival in Cusco the evening is free to explore the cities lively nightlife and excellent restaurants. (B.)

Day 9: Cusco.

The morning is left free to relax and explore Cusco at your own pace. At 14.00 a local guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a tour of Cuzco and its surrounds, taking in the city’s most impressive monuments. We visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and ‘Koricancha’ – the magnificent Inca Temple of the Sun. Continuing on we visit the great ceremonial centre of Sacsayhuaman on a hilltop overlooking Cusco. On leaving Sacsayhuaman we visit the well preserved Inca sites of Quenco, Puka Pukara and the Temple of Tambo Machay. After a tour of approximately 4 ½ to 5 hours we return to our hotel. Evening free. (B.)

Day 10: Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour.

Today we take a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Leaving Cusco by bus we cross the hills dividing Cusco from this fascinating centre of Quechua culture. The magnificent snow covered Vilcanota Mountain Range dominate this landscape. We visit the market town of Pisac, overlooked by an impressive Inca fortress, Ollantaytambo a charming agricultural town surrounded by vast Inca Terraces and finally Chinchero, where we visit the town centre, church and market. Return to Cusco and our comfortable hotel for the night. (B.L)

Day 11: Cusco to Aguas Calientes.

Early in the morning we transfer to the train station and board the special ‘Vistadome’ train service to Aguas Calientes, the small town located beneath the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. On arrival in Aguas Calientes we are transferred to the La Cabana hotel and our guide will take you on a short walk of the surrounding cloud forest eco-system, explaining the unique aspects of this rare-ecosystem and pointing out native flora and fauna as we go. (B.D)

Day 12: Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

Starting early we take a 25 minute ride above Aguas Calientes to the truly awesome Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the ruins on your own and if you’re feeling energetic there's the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported back your hotel. Evening free to explore Cusco. (B)

Day 13: Cusco to Lima.

This morning we are transferred to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima. Depending on the time of your international flight there may be a few hours to explore Lima in greater depth, perhaps one it’s many museums or one of the ingenious markets. You are then transferred to the airport for you international flight. Additional nights at Lima hotels and extensions to your itinerary can easily be arranged – just give us a call or email us to discus possibilities further. (B.). End of our Peru Classic Tour service.

Get special discount on select treks, this week.

Peru Classic Program 19 Day

We witness the living beauty of the world’s largest flying bird, soaring on 3m wings
over the Colca Canyon, one of World’s deepest gorges and surrounded by towering volcanoes near the
elegant colonial city of Arequipa. From vast Canyons we climb further into high Andean plain and World’s
Highest Navigable Lake of lake Titicaca, where we visit the islands of fascinating Indigenous people who
have thrived here for Centuries.

Travelling onwards we visit the lovely city of Cusco, also set high in the Andes. Cusco is our base for visiting
one of the new ‘seven wonders of the world’ the UNESCO world heritage site of Machu Picchu. From
lost worlds of the past we visit the planets last great wildernesses, the Amazon, where we explore the
wildlife wonders of a lush and rain soaked wilderness. Machete’s 19 day Peru Classic tour will leave you
with a smorgasbord of wonderful memories that will stay with you forever

• Travel Insurance is not included – a good policy covering all tour activities and possible health emergencies is
highly recommended and should be considered a priority.
• International flights can be purchased independently or by consulting Machete Tours.
• Tipping is expected in Peru (although this is not essential).
• Airport Tax for international flights (currently $35).
• Meals not specified in the program
• Alcoholic beverages

Required documents

All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.

Required immunizations

Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500 ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone. The yellow fever vaccination is reccomended and travelers may wish to take malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.

Things to bring

One should come prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 35° to 85° Fahrenheit / 2° to 30° Celsius, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A recommended list of things to bring:Please note: We provide a sleeping bag, foam mat, and of course tent. While hiking the Inca Trail, porters will accompany us to carry most of our things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the porters. Such items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, music, or other entertainment, etc. During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a layer or two for changing weather conditions. Most people also carry a camera.

Passport and, if necessary, visa

ATM card (notify your bank you will be travelling to Peru)

Airline ticket

Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

Wearable pouch for documents and money

Sturdy backpack or suitcase

Smaller, comfortable day pack

Hiking boots or sneakers, comfortable and worn-in

Sandals or flip-flops

Rain poncho or jacket

Waterproof pants

Sun hat

Hat for cold weather

Warm clothing for cold weather (think layers)

T-shirts

Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

Swimsuit for hot springs

Camelback or Nalgene refillable bottle (optional)

Flashlight and/or head lamp

Sunscreen (biodegradable & eco-friendly)

Insect repellent (biodegradable & eco-friendly)

Lip balm

Earplugs

Alarm clock or watch

Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

Camera / Camera batteries

Binoculars

Reading material

Toiletries

It is best to bring from home such items as prescription medications, eyewear and care, unusual film and camera batteries. Please bring all used batteries back home with you to recycle!

Baggage

For your international flights, please check with your airline. Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs) of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small, purse-like item. The carry-on size regulations are the same as international carry-on size regulations.

Climate

Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:

Cusco and the Sacred Valley: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are chilly in Cusco.Lake Titicaca: similar to Cusco but colder.Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain.Amazon basin: hot and humid year-round. We recommend light clothing (in weight and in color) that fully cover arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites.

Money guide

The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Automatic cash points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler’s checks are difficult to cash (American Express is best but you may be charged 5-8% to cash) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options. Do not bring Money Grams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged. Please note that cash must be untorn. It can be older-looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable. Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country. Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru. Artisan market prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30. Currency Converter

Booking Form

Highlights

Happy Stories

We had a great time and everything went perfectly. Machete Tours planned everything so well that we had a completely stress-free time. We look forward to planning our next South American excursion with Machete Tours. We would highly recommend them to anyone interested in visiting the area.

Amber Hitchens

Will definitely recommend you to others. Excellent service in all areas- transfer, guides- all at reasonable cost.

Richard Hope

Machete Tours

Machete Tours is dedicated to providing the best customer service possible. at Machete Tours we ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime